By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Worried by the persistent economic woes occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, a group under the aegis of Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors (ACIPA), has called on President Bola Tinubu to revamp the Warri and Kaduna refineries in addition to the Port Harcourt refinery to end importation of fuel.
The group believed that fuel importation which thrives majorly on Dollars is worsening the already bad economy, hence the revitalisation of the country’s refineries will reduce the over dependence on foreign currencies which is on constant increase daily, it said.
AREWA also holds the views that bad and substandard fuel will also be a thing of the past if importation of PMS is halted.
The group stated this on Sunday in Jos during the occasion tagged: A Day of Prayers, Special Merit Award of Excellence and Book Dedication.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman of ACIPA, Dr. Luke Shehu, added that the group is watching the current administration with keen interest on her economy and security policies.
Shehu said that having monitored Tinubu’s administration for over a year, it has become necessary to begin to speak out.
ACIPA however lauded the President on the war against corruption, calling on the EFCC to intensify watch on both past and present government appointees.
He said: “ACIPA have no choice than to give President Tinubu an ultimatum of one year to decimate terrorists and bandits and restore our economy as well as restore the value of the Naira.
“With regards to our economic security, we call on the President to ensure the immediate reactivation of all our refineries and ensure that there is no more importation of foreign low quality fuel for our local consumption.
“These are among our preconditions for support to this government in 2027, as we pray for the government and all in positions of authority.
“As it is now, ACIPA commends President Tinubu’s war on corruption and the proactive approach taken to combat the menace.
“In this regard, ACIPA is watching carefully the activities of ministries, parastatals and all governors with a penchant for or tendencies of corruption.
“Therefore, we encourage the EFCC under Tinubu to investigate and prosecute all former and sitting governors without fear or favor associated with political allegiance, religion, or political vendetta.
“We also call on EFCC not to spare the local governments with their searchlights especially with the present autonomy and direct allocation of funds to LGAs”.
Shehu did not forget to appeal to Tinubu to make history by facilitating the release of Leah Sharibu who has since remained in the captivity of terrorists for refusing to deny her God, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our correspondent reports that the group also gave awards to meritorious Nigerians, including serving Police men for their dedicated duty to the service of their father land.
“We shall continue in our vision and resolve to identify and honour deserving Nigerians irrespective of religion, tribe or region, in line with our strategic objectives of promoting unity for peace and development.
“However, permit me to add that ACIPA’s Special Merit Award is not for sale and neither is it for corrupt politicians, technocrats or civil servants”, he said.
